Definition

1. Noun:
   • A medical condition involving a protrusion: An umbilical hernia is a specific type of hernia where a portion of the intestine or abdominal tissue (omentum) pushes through a weakness or opening in the abdominal wall muscles at the navel (umbilicus).
   • Common in infants: This condition is frequently observed in newborns and is often noted as a bulge or swelling near the belly button, especially when the baby cries or strains.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The pediatrician diagnosed the baby with a small umbilical hernia.
  • An umbilical hernia is usually painless and often closes on its own by the age of 1 or 2.

Advanced Usage

• Clinical context: The term is used in medical diagnostics and discussions of pediatric development.
  • Surgical repair is rarely needed for an uncomplicated umbilical hernia.
• Descriptive usage: Can be used to describe the physical appearance.
  • The noticeable bulge was confirmed to be an umbilical hernia.

Variants and Related Words

• Hernia (n): The general term for the protrusion of an organ or tissue through an abnormal opening.
• Omphalocele (n): A related but more severe congenital birth defect where abdominal organs protrude through the navel.
• Umbilicus (n): The formal anatomical term for the navel or belly button.

Synonyms

• Omphalocele (Note: This is a related but distinct medical condition; it is not a perfect synonym but is sometimes discussed in similar contexts.)
• Navel hernia (A less common descriptive synonym.)

Related Phrases

• "To have an umbilical hernia repaired": To undergo surgery to correct the condition.
  • The child may need to have the umbilical hernia repaired if it doesn't close by school age.
• "Self-correcting umbilical hernia": Describes the common, non-surgical resolution of the condition.
  • Most cases are self-correcting umbilical hernias that require no intervention.

Noun

1. protrusion of the intestine and omentum through a hernia in the abdominal wall near the navel; usually self correcting after birth